Description of Alaniya National
Park

Alaniya National Park is a protected nature reserve
in North Ossetia- Alania region of Russia that
was established in 1998. It covers a total area of
54,926 ha in this North Caucasian province. Alaniya National Park is a nature
reserve around river Urukh basin in North Ossetia region. It is
surrounded by picturesque Caucasian mountain ranges at an altitude of
800 to 4645 meters (Mountain Uilpata).

The main source of water to local
flora and fauna is river Urukh that is created by the confluence of two
rivers of Haresidon and Karaugomdon. Additionally there are about 70
large streams and rivers spread throughout Alaniya
National
Park. Much of the park is
covered by low growing alpine tundra and coniferous forests that cover
about one fifth of Alaniya National Park. The vegetation of the nature
reserve is quiet diverse. Many of these plants are famous for medicinal
and edible properties. Fauna is presented by martens, wild cat, roe
deer, ermine and many others. Chamois boar is probably the most
dangerous animal in the park. It is a fairly violent animal with poor
vision, but given its size and force, last handicap is really a problem
of whoever will encounter it.

Additionally Alaniya National Park is
famous for historic landmarks. Skalistaya ("Rocky" in Russian) ridge has
many caves and natural rock shelters that were inhabited by ancient
people who settled these mountains during the Stone Age. Some of the
most interesting historic landmarks in Alaniya National Park are Alan
(native Caucasian tribe) catacomb burials at Kumbulte and Donifarse
villages.

Medieval Towers (Alaniya National Park)

Medieval towers are a common site in the region of
Alaniya National Park. Each was
constructed by its family. Its primary role was to warn the villagers of
the incoming enemy. Additionally its was also a sign of the might and
importance of the family that built it. Towers occasionally
served as a food storage during peaceful years.

Catacomb Burials (Alaniya National Park)

Location: Donifarse village

Catacomb Burials in Alaniya National Park
date back to the 3rd millennium BC when it was first
inhabited by people. Few artifacts were discovered during
archaeological digs. We know that some group of people lived
here, buried their dead here and nothing more. Current
people that live here claim that these strange stone burials
were build by mysterious semi- legendary people known as "narts". They
constructed several cities, roads and castle in the area.
However they were hit by the epidemic of some terrible
disease that wiped them out. Those who survived fled the
area, leaving burials of their dead ones behind.

Burials at Kumbulte village (Alaniya National
Park)

This is another burial ground that were
credited to legendary heroes of Nart sagas.